Fiji Football Association states despite Fiji FA Statutes prohibiting individuals previously found guilty of a criminal offence from holding executive office, Umarji Musa was nominated and won a position as the organisations Vice President West.
In a statement, Fiji Football Association states that a majority members at the Congress have voted for Mr Umarji.
This clearly shows that we need to educate our members on the seriousness of drug abuse and the perception that an organisation like Fiji Football Association must give to the members of the public and to all people who work with,” said Fiji FA.
“Prior to the Congress we did send the attached circular to all our members in hopes that they would voice the integrity and reputation that we intend to hold for Fiji Football Association.”
Fiji FA said Article 46(6) of the Fiji FA Statutes prohibits individuals previously found guilty of a criminal offence from holding executive office.
“Mr Umarji and the district nominating and supporting him for the position are aware of this prohibition.”
This prohibition was challenged in Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by Mr Umarji on the basis that his guilty plea, conviction and 3 year and 6 month imprisonment (for three counts of importing Class B controlled drugs (pseudoephedrine), totalling 40.68 kg with an estimated NZD 5–6 million street value), cannot have an impact on his eligibility because the offence is not football related.
“The Fiji Football Association is vigorously opposing this because there is no such a limitation in the Fiji FA prohibition and indeed the basis itself is a reprehensible because it would mean that offences such as sexual assault, rape, terrorism and other serious offences would be excusable if it was not football related.”
Fiji FA said Mr. Umarji was allowed to stand for election. However, he has not been declared elected, he has not assumed office and his eligibility remains under review by CAS.
“We wish to clarify that Fiji FA did not permit Mr. Umarji to stand by its own discretion.”
“His candidacy was enabled only because of the binding provisional order from CAS, which Fiji FA is legally obligated to comply with under international football governance frameworks.”
